Red-hot Barrios leads Paraguay past Greece

(GSM) – Lucas Barrios scored for the third straight match as Paraguay continued their preparations for the World Cup with a 2-0 friendly win over fellow qualifiers Greece on Wednesday.

Playing in St. Gallen in Switzerland, Gerardo Martino’s South American side came out with great attacking ambition against the defensive-minded Greeks.

Nine minutes in, their efforts paid of as Enrique Vera pounced following a Roque Santa Cruz shot off the goalframe.

The Greeks seemed unsure how to handle the fast-paced Paraguayans, and Barrios got his turn to score on a rebound in the 25th minute when he tapped home after Santa Cruz was denied.

The goal was the third in as many warm-up games for the Borussia Dortmund striker, who will be crucial if Paraguay are to replace the scoring left behind by injured striker Salvador Cabañas.

Justo Villar was spectacular in goal for Paraguay, though the Greeks seemed shell-shocked by Paraguay’s quick start.

Greece are winless in their two warm-ups, and they have no more games planned between now and their Group B opener a week from Saturday against South Korea.

Paraguay are also finished with tune-ups, and they open play in Group F against Italy on 14 June.